LS2 into 02 Camaro SS

[slade8200]

Is this a common swap? Will it bolt up to the T56?

[98TransAmWs-6]

It is a common swap and it will bolt up to the t56 just fine. On the ls2 though a few of the sensors are in different locations and will require a ls1 to ls2 conversion harness which just basically lengthens your harness so that you can connect to the sensors where they are located on the ls2.

[slade8200]

If that's the case I would extend the cables myself. Do you know if the LS2 computer will be compatible with the Camaro dash?

[98TransAmWs-6]

If that's the case I would extend the cables myself. Do you know if the LS2 computer will be compatible with the Camaro dash?

I would imagine it is but you can just use the computer in your camaro already and get it tuned for the ls2, that is what I would do. I am actually doing a similar swap as you and I am retaining my computer but getting it tuned. I am swapping in a stroked out lq9 which is very similar to the ls2 but a Gen 3 6.0 engine and it is iron on aluminum.

[slade8200]

Cool.

I was really weighing the two options of an LS2 swap or a heads / cam package. LS2's look to be running $4k+.

This isn't the proper thread, but what are 2 or 3 'favorite' / popular heads / cam packages? Can a heads / cam upgrade put the LS1 @ 400whp?

[SMWS6TA]

There are many options getting you to your goals or beyond.

To help narrow it some, need to ask what are you wanting? A DD that has some more pep, or street pounder or track heavy use.

Each built has it's unique recommendations. For example a solid DD I'd recommend

A 228 cam, 243 heads, with Long Tube Headers, LS6 intake will get you above 400 to the wheels.

A street/track car would have a much more aggressive cam and aftermarket heads, along with a FAST 102 intake and TB.

[slade8200]

It's not really a daily driver, as I only drive it in nice weather, and it's certainly not going to be a track car. I really just wanted to get above 400whp.

Are the 228 cam and 243 heads the parts that came on the LS6?

[SMWS6TA]

228 cam - is an aftermarket cam. I think FBJ's wife runs it in her car.

The 243's started out on LS6's but can be found on 5.3's, LS2's, some LQ4/9's Also 799 is the same head just made in a different location.

[slade8200]

When buying those heads, how much difference does ported vs. unported make?

[SMWS6TA]

Bad porting = new heads/bad performance.

Good porting = depending on the port job can add serious HP & TQ vs stock heads. There are several places you can send your heads to and get great results. Some have just a basic level of porting while others will port it to perform with the cam you have or select. Advance Induction & EPS (Engine Power Systems) are a couple that do custom work on heads & cams.



Now I'll tell you and probably take some heat for this, but if you're not going to track/street it then save your money on P&P heads. A good set of used 243/799 heads go for around $450. This part may not be necessary but add another $300-400 for a shop to do a valve job and set up the springs and mill the heads flat if needed. Add those other items and call it a day. Plus forgot to add tuning. Doing a heads/cam swap you'll need a tune. Average cost around $500.

[slade8200]

A tune is $500? That's quite a racket. You can probably buy decent tuning software for that.

What would you be taking heat for? Buying 243 heads?

[SMWS6TA]

Heat for not recommending P&P or aftermarket heads for a DD.

Tuning is not just installing software and making a few adjustments. It's almost an art form to get it right. Get the tune wrong and not only will it not run but can cause serious damage to the motor. Most use HP Tuners, the way it works is you purchase credits for the tunes, most LS tunes require about 3 credits, make a change = another credit. FI builds I've read can take up to 5-6 credits with all the changes.

I have limited knowledge on exactly how it all works so someone will correct me here if I'm wrong or clarify.






A couple of more things to think about. The higher you go in HP/TQ the more you need to plan on other mods to support it.

Suspension & rear are the top of the list. Go north of 500 FTLBS/TQ and then you'll need to look at a transmission build as well.


The 10 bolt is a weak POS that a stock car with a M6 and drag radials can blow it up.

[slade8200]

Well, I guess I'll stay at the 400whp mark to keep the transmission in order.